Sri Lanka: Schools to re-open on Monday, 2 weeks after Easter Sunday bombings

Amidst heavy security set up, schools in Sri Lanka will re-open on Monday. It is to be noted that as many as 257 people, including foreign tourists, were killed and over 500 others sustained injuries in the April 21 serial blasts in three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. The ISIS took the responsibility for the worst attack in the history of Sri Lanka. Following the attack, the authorities closed the schools until further notice.

The second term of school will commence on Monday for Grades 6 to 13 in all government schools. For Grades 1 to 5 the second term will commence on May 13, Colombo Page reported. Special circulars have been issued by the Education Ministry regarding the security of the schools, the report added.

According to the Director General of the Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa, classes of only grade VIth and above will be held. On the other hand, Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated that a special security programme will be implemented in school premises with the commencement of the new school term.

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An extensive security programme has been implemented by the tri forces, police and special task force. "We have done thorough searches of all schools premises and surroundings within the Colombo city," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told reporters.

Meanwhie, in a separate news briefing, Army spokesman Brigadier Sumith Atapattu said, "We are satisfied with the schools security."

“Parking vehicles near schools have been completely banned. Separate places have been prepared to park school vans, buses. Special search operations will also be conducted from Sunday in schools,” he added

Though the ISIS claimed the attacks, the Sri Lankan government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Taking a swift actions, Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts.